Gastronomy in the crisis: tips under pressure - industry demands solutions!

Gastronomy in the crisis: tips under pressure - industry demands solutions!

Gastronomy in Austria is under immense pressure, especially after an alarming decision by the Federal Finance Court (BFG), which affects the treatment of drinking funds. According to this decision, tips that exceed 25 % of the gross wages are no longer regarded as customary and therefore tax -free. Thomas Reisenzahn, Managing Director of the Prodinger Tourism Consulting, warns of the far -reaching consequences: "The recent case law has created a climate of legal uncertainty," he explains, while the industry is urging practical solutions. Especially in seasons or at part-time, these regulations employ smaller companies that are already under pressure due to increasing costs for the use of goods and personnel, such as ots.at reported.

The current "Fitness-Check Gastronomy 2025" shows that the economic situation is still being tense, especially for smaller companies. The sales development has been stagnating since 2019, while the costs continue to increase. Companies with fewer than 100 seats are already recovering declines in guest stocks, which significantly affects profitability. The analysis of Prodinger shows that many restaurateurs are forced to optimize their cost structures and take into account the increasing price pressure. In particular, wages that are increasingly taking sales are a major challenge. "The classic taverns are increasingly under economic pressure," warns Stefan Brida from Kohl & Partner, and the increasing price sensitivity of the guests also makes the situation even more difficult, like